The weather here in Georgia is quite chilly (brrrr……)

Its time to pull out the winter gear – here is a tutorial that is definitely worth 4 minutes of your life.  We all know that the right accessories can make or break an outfit.  Wendy has put together a video highlighting 25 new ways to tie a scarf.

25 Ways to tie a scarf

Remembering turkey roasting from long ago I was prepared for a long and arduous process. However it was not so. My thawed turkey only took 2.5 hours to roast with two basting sessions in between.

It was completely juicy and completely lovely to look at.

To top it all off my $10 bird saved me major bucks figuring it will last us at least two meals.

Dress on the left is from Anthropologie : Budding Dahilia retailing for $248.00 -

Pattern on the right is a Kwik Sew pattern 3856 $11.99

I’ve visited Anthropologie and tried this dress on in person – it is so lovely.  It is fully lined and has a delicate split on the side near the ankle.  I have purchased a delicate floral print fabric from Hancock to try and recreate their version using the Kwik Sew pattern.

Stay tuned for the  outcome!

I knew it would happen eventually.  My favorite pot bit the dust… It wasn’t one of the higher end dutch ovens, but it got the job done.  I tried to salvage it with Barkeepers Friend, Vinegar, baking soda and just plain on scrubbing – but there was no reviving this pot.  So, thus began my search for a “true” French style dutch oven.

I planned on purchasing a Le Crueset, but they are just so pricey!  Then I was turned on to their less expensive competitor, “The Lodge” but it received very mixed reviews.  Well, last night on one of my weekly trips to SamsClub I ran across this beauty.  The color is wrong – but the price is right.  It is in the oven seasoning now, so I will let you all know how it holds up later on…

Chow!

My first attempt at baking a cheesecake. I researched blog after blog until I gained enough confidence to try it. I used Barefoot Contessa’s recipe for the cake – while borrowing tips from other bloggers and I am pleased at the way it turned out.

My deviations are listed below:

1. Used more cracker crumbs, butter, and sugar for the crust – because we know it is ALL about the crust (for me anyway lol)

2. Baked in a water bath to ensure proper moisture content… or something like that.

3. Reserved 1/4 of the batter for mini cheesecakes that I baked in muffin tins – her recipe makes a wholelotta batter.

Strawberry Topping:

1 pint of strawberries
1 cup of sugar
1 tsp of vanilla

Simmer strawberries with sugar in small saucepan over med-low heat. When the sugar melts and berries begin to loosen up I removed 1/2 of strawberries and pureed in food processor – added them back to the mixture and let it simmer until desired consistency is achieved. Chill

I was up late last evening avoiding my term paper and decided to “surf” the internet… really looking for absolutely nothing.  Somehow I stumbled upon this site by Get em’ Girls – full of recipes and lifestyle articles that kept me up for another hour.  The recipes are on the healthier side, simple and have the potential to be really tasty.

Anywho…- just thought I’d share.

As a result, I’m always on the hunt for a rich handcream.  My favorite so far is Aveda Hand Relief – but it is on the pricy side.  As I was roaming the aisles of Ulta today looking for something to purchase and use my coupon I ran across this… looks authentic enough huh?

C. Booth Honey & Almond Hand Cream

So far so good, very rich and thick and has a  sweet smell (but not overpowering).  Also, did I mention the price?  $4.99 – yep this is a keeper. 

How about you?  What’s  your favorite hand cream?

Lord help me  – I don’t want to live this life and later find that I never knew you at all.  Matthew 7.

Humph. I like mine better!

This is my version of Simplicity 2593 (Cynthia Rowley pattern). I was tickled to see The Gap has something very similar. There version is $50 + and mine cost about $8. Gotta love it.

[url]http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=34610&vid=1&pid=760848[/url]

My new favorite shirt. I know – every week I have a new favorite, but I have come to a conclusion… actually two.

My favorite items to sew are button front shirts and shirt waist dresses.

This shirt is made from a charmuse fabric purchased from Gail K fabrics. When I put it on I feel like such a lady, it is completely soft and silky. Yes, I am rather pleased with myself.